Alex A

I would try Jeans approach. Looks a fiddly job. For this to work the 2 surfaces need to be totally clean. The clamping needs to spot on. I would make something that fits underneath, so that when you do clamp it, it wont just cave in. I would use masking tape to clamp it or a rubber band etc. Look for a dark epoxy resin mix, i have seen black somewhere. Dont be tempted, like i usually am to poke it to see if its stuck :D , as i usually do!. Clamp it, then leave it for a good few hours.One of those jobs that will look a balls up if done wrong. Alex.

Hi Dick, thanks for that, interesting read, not something i can remember coming across before. It is a reasonably large, heavy katana so im presuming uchigatana one handed style may not work for it, unless your built like hulk hogan. Cheers, Alex.

Is it possible, from blade length and nakago length (ubu) to guesstimate the size of an original tsuka length on a late muromachi sengoku katana?. Cheers in advance for any help... Nakago measures 6" in length, blade 28" Alex.

Is that what they call "a sleeper".. :D Alex.

Only takes one guy with money to like these old utilitarian tsuba. Boring to some folk, interesting to others. Being genuine, around 500 years old, and in original condition, i can see why he asks the price. Id buy it, if i could afford it. Tsuba made for battle have an appeal. Alex.

Nice simple shakudo ko kinko tsuba, its a small world. Alex.

Sure I seen this tsuba recently on Aoi site, tanto tsuba. Alex.

It is a large undertaking for anyone, even for someone with print knowledge. Its difficult doing business like this at long distance, there are so many things that can go wrong. Who is going to get the blame if the job is printed badly?, the guy who picked the printers?, the guy who managed it?. Offset is better quality, thats what you pay for, the skilled human factor!, which opens more doors for error, especially on short runs, when the printer gets bored from doing numerous plate changes. Sorry to be negative, i just know the job. Digital, yes slightly inferior on text, but computerized= no mistakes. If i where going offset or digital, i would need to be under the noses of the guys printing it. Samples of paper needed, samples of digital black text needed, samples of other similar books they have printed needed. A walk round the factory, if possible?. The printers need to know that they cant produce a bad book for you and that you WILL want it reprinting if it isnt upto scratch. This is why you need to be under there noses. Who is going to pay for a pallet returned half way around the world?, they will argue the toss. All bases need to be covered. Alex.

All depends on individual needs, digital is fine for most folk. Im sure if you look around enough you will find an offset printers that will do all the job, more expensive, but it seems thats what everyone wants. Alex.

You may be surprised to see what some of these private shipping companies charge for a job like this. If you want to spend more time hunting around for more quotes then I suppose its the way to go. As said, no rush. Alex.

Print companies will offer fulfilment, usually expensive, one of these books delivered say, to the US, from UK, would be around £47...Local post office would charge me around £14 (recorded/signed for), although thinking about it, im sure theres special rates for books. If you can find an offset printers that offers fulfillment at a reasonable price, then obviously, that's the way to go. Alex.

Offset is better quality, obvious on full colour pictures etc, not so obvious on black only text. Digital printing as moved on, far better than it used to be. Most good quality book printers will offer both. For short runs they will advise you to go digital, its a lot cheaper. I would find a good printers that will print the cover to your original spec, the insides digitally. As you say Brian, the quality of the paper/finishing is paramount, if you want a bespoke job. Its worth noting that high quality printers don't usually need to advertise, so looking online may not be the best option. Alex.

As good as an idea as it was, its obviously a difficult thing to pull off. Knowing that, im happy in either direction. I cant see much difference in black offset text and digital text. Alex.

For a tenner a book Brian, I would :D . The printers would need to go a step further, aswell as bulk wrap, they would need to box each book for further distribution. I understand your concerns though. Alex

Just a thought, why all the logistical issues?, get the books printed in the US, get them delivered to a member in the US, that person then posts the books. Your thinking that's a bit ridiculous?... if that person got say $15 for each book posted, just as an incentive to make it worth there while. No rush. A nice earner. I wouldn't mind paying the extra, just a thought. Alex.

Considering the insides are black only, maybe its something worth thinking about. Digital is usually fine for black text. As far as the covers go, if the design is digital friendly, then that should be ok too. Most offset printers will give a good price when there slack, unfortunately, when there not, they will charge a very similar price for black only and full colour, its still down to the time on the press. Alex.

Lots, http://www.printondemand-worldwide.com/ Digital, I know, but maybe the only way you will make this idea viable. Alex

I use microfibre to wipe my swords, I prefer white cotton towels, so cotton is no good for a steel blade? Alex.

Hi Michael, i can what your thinking, new wrap maybe?, not too expensive?, its your call. Certainly would make it a bit more pretty, allthough i think leaving it as is, is best. Allthough not likely an original koshirae, i think what you have as a feeling of authenticity. Taking that away, i think may be detrimental and may put off future buyers who may be a little intrigued by the koshirae, new wraps are 10 to a dozen and of no interest, hope you see my point. In my opinion, dont change old. If you want to do some assembling, find a bare blade, usually cheaper and you will learn a lot from it. Alex.

Spooky lol, Shogun friday eve, shotokan sturday morning, them where the days Alex.

Hi David, this isn't for martial arts, its for a late muromachi katana. To be honest, I have shelved the idea, but the idea just keeps coming back like a boomerang :D. I suppose if I came across the correct parts I might one day follow it through. Alex.

Cheers Baz, but I think it needs to be more near 42mm, short in height, around 6mm, plain type, in shakudo would be perfect. May consider other materials. Thanks for your help. Alex.

parcelfarce LOL Alex

Thanks Pete!, appreciated. Alex.

Cheers Chris. Alex.